4 agency reviews to know about this month

While reviews often cool down during the summer, some marketers—including a biotechnology behemoth and a popular beer brand—are forging ahead with potential account changes. Agency Review Tracker Stay up to date with the latest account reviews Click here Below, Ad Age lists four agency reviews to know about this month. Do you know about another review not listed here? Send an email to aatips@adage.com. And stay up to date with several ongoing pitches with our newly launched Agency Review Tracker, exclusive to All Access subscribers. Amgen Biotechnology giant Amgen has initiated a review of its U.S. media business, which MediaLink will handle, according to the company. The invitation-only pitch will focus on all areas of media planning and buying across all channels, according to a company spokesperson. “Our media goals are centered on maximizing the impact of our diverse portfolio and providing education about our life-saving medicines,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Our agency partners are an essential extension of our team, bringing unique expertise and strategic insight that complement our in-house efforts.” WPP and Omnicom currently handle the bulk of Amgen’s stateside media business, the company said. Neither could immediately be reached for comment. Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards Enter today as we honor the best in healthcare marketing Learn more here Amgen’s advertising expenses totaled $647 million in fiscal 2023, $841 million in 2022 and $843 million in 2021, according to its latest annual filing. In the U.S., the company spent $309 million on U.S. measured media during 2023, according to Vivvix, which includes paid social data from Pathmatics, down from the $350 million it spent in 2022. Pacifico Pacifico is conducting a creative review, a spokesperson for the Constellation Brands beer confirmed. The company is searching for a “digital first, lifestyle-driven approach that can deliver compelling and memorable creative” to help meet its needs, the spokesperson said. Pacifico most recently worked with Ogilvy, according to the spokesperson. Ogilvy couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. The company has also partnered with indie shop Cramer-Krasselt but that relationship ended last year, the agency told Ad Age. “We continue to value our relationships with agency partners across our portfolio and will maintain the high standards our brands deserve,” the Pacifico spokesperson said. Pacifico, a Mexican import that first gained U.S. popularity among California surfers, has become an increasing priority for Constellation. The brand grew sales to retailers by 21% in the first quarter, according to Constellation. Pacifico spent $28 million in U.S. measured media last year, according to Vivvix, which includes paid social data from Pathmatics, up from $24 million in 2022. The review comes as another Constellation product, Corona Extra, is also running a creative pitch. Covered California Covered California, the Golden State’s health insurance marketplace, is searching for an advertising agency of record. San Francisco-based Duncan Channon is the incumbent agency. The goal is to find a shop capable of delivering “integrated communications services” through “statewide marketing campaigns in multiple languages,” helping maximize health insurance enrollment, according to an RFP document. The contract will run for five years and four months, beginning on Dec. 2. It will net $205 million for the full term, including $38 million per fiscal year and a one-time $15 million contingency fund, according to the RFP, now available on the organization’s website. See America's Hottest Brands 20 brands that are trending in 2024 Click here Benjamin Moore Benjamin Moore has launched a creative review, according to three people familiar with the matter. Joanne Davis Consulting is believed to be handling the pitch. The consultancy declined to comment. Benjamin Moore didn’t return requests for comment. Fig currently holds the account and has worked on some notable campaigns for the 140-year-old paint company. Last year, the indie agency helped launch ads meant to target a younger audience. The spots were created with the intent of being able to translate to TikTok or Instagram Reels. Fig declined to comment on the review. Benjamin Moore, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, spent $33 million in U.S. measured media in 2023, according to Vivvix, which includes paid social data from Pathmatics, up from $17 million in 2022. Contributing: E.J. Schultz

4 agency reviews to know about this month

Featured Stories